Money is a sign of affection.

This boils true for many ladies. Many ladies I speak to boldly declare that they have to be realistic and practical in today's age. Gone are the days where you could still fantasise about love being sufficient. This kinda reminds me of the hit by Eagles called "Love will keep us alive".

Honestly, I have felt that way when I was way too naive. That was, I'd admit MY IDEALISTIC take on love. I still remember being a simple executive thinking that BOTH OF US would WORK OUR WAY UP and be successful with our effort.

Trouble about life is, it loves to educate you with surprises. By the time you realise that its a little note saying "STOP!", you have lost a few good years. At the end of it, its still leads you to being alone, deciding that it is best to depend on yourself after all.

Today, money (or wealth) is a top criterion for love for some, in the name of survival. Some ladies I know filter potential suitors through wealth masked in the name of Financial Stability. If they pay for dinner and dates and chauffeur them with a car, they qualify for Round 2 - getting to know further stage. Maybe they even stand a chance for marriage.

The money thing slowly becomes a given! If a man is extravagant on you, it means he loves you. Unfortunately, love to him is only shown in the bedroom. *Ouch!* It sounds like a transaction in Geylang. Nevertheless, if the lady is a willing party to be intimate… We are all adults and are entitled to choices.

Most of the men I know expect to go dutch on first few dates but they won't ask for it. Mind you, they too assess their hopefuls. If a girl they date volunteers to pay for her own share, or maybe foot the bill for drinks as a thank you gesture, she qualifies for Round 2! I heard from the horses' mouth, “If this lady expects me to pay for everything, this date will be the first and last! Unless she is prepared to offer real good sex!”

I have this verified by my own circle of friends who are either married or happily attached. Some unwritten statement? Guess if you have dated enough, you would know better if this is true.

I am torn between "if you feel like a prostitute, you bloody asked for it!" and "Yeah, I know its superficial. Either you lower your expectations or find another suitor. Look further...” I am prepared to be scorned for this. But before you do that, may I end this with a quote from Oscar Wilde:

“Man is least himself when he talks in his own person.
Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.

~ Christel Lee Meng Hui